Jay Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Jay come from? What does the surname Jay mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Jay and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Jay Origin: What does the last name Jay mean?
The surname Jay is of English origin, with records dating back to the early 16th century in England. It is believed to have derived from the Old French name "Jay" or "Jai," which means "jaybird" or "jay." Over the centuries, the Jay surname has remained closely associated with England, with family records also found in the United States, indicating a global spread over time.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Jay surname in various countries, with significant volumes of records in the United States by the 20th century. Today, the Jay surname continues to be prominent in the United States and is also found in countries like England, reflecting its widespread presence and heritage across different regions.
Jay Last Name History: Where did the last name Jay come from?
Origin of Jay Surname: Where does the last name Jay originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Jay first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Jay spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Jay: What does the Jay surname history look like in the early days?
The Jay surname remained closely associated with England from the 16th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Jay family records in the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Jay surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Jay surname grew significantly in the United States. The Jay surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including England, indicating a widespread presence.
Explore Jay last name heritage and Jay surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Jay Surame?
John Jay
John Jay (December 23, 1745 – May 17, 1829) was an American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father of the United States. He served as the first chief justice of the United States and the second governor of New York. Jay was instrumental in U.S. foreign policy, negotiating the Treaty of Paris and persuading Spain to aid the U.S. during the American Revolution. He co-authored The Federalist Papers and played a key role in ratifying the U.S. Constitution. Jay's legacy includes his contributions to American law and governance, making him a significant figure in early American history.
Tony Jay
Tony Jay (2 Feb 1933 – 13 Aug 2006) was a British actor known for his iconic voice work in radio, animation, film, and video games. With a distinctive raspy baritone voice, he often portrayed villainous or authoritative characters. Jay's notable roles include Claude Frollo in Disney's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," Megabyte in "ReBoot," and Shere Khan in "The Jungle Book 2." He also appeared on screen in TV shows like "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" and made guest appearances on popular programs like "Twin Peaks" and "Night Court." Jay's versatile talent left a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Anna Jay
Anna Marie Jernigan (born Jul 15, 1998) is an American professional wrestler known by her ring name Anna Jay. She rose to fame in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a member of The Dark Order and later joined the Jericho Appreciation Society. Despite setbacks like injuries, Jay has continued to pursue championship titles and new alliances in the world of professional wrestling.
Ricky Jay
Richard Jay Potash (June 26, 1946 – November 24, 2018) was an American magician, actor, and writer known for his incredible sleight of hand, card tricks, and memory feats. He appeared in popular films like "The Prestige" and "Boogie Nights" and was the subject of a PBS American Masters episode. With a passion for magic history, Jay was a student of the legendary Dai Vernon and collected rare artifacts related to magic and gambling. He held a Guinness World Record for throwing a playing card and was revered for his unique talents and contributions to the magical arts.
Georgia Jay
Georgina Philipps, known professionally as Georgia Jay, is a British actress best known for her role as Steph Miligan in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She has also appeared in popular television series like Giri/Haji and Glow & Darkness. Jay made her television debut in 2015 and has since captivated audiences with her performances on screen. Keep an eye out for this talented actress as she continues to shine in the entertainment industry.
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